Things to keep in mind while cleaning your car at home.

If you genuinely care about your car’s exterior, the least you can do for it is a DIY car wash that will achieve the results that you really want. Most people think that a plain wash is the best way to keep their car shiny and clean. Not that they are wrong, but it takes a lot more.

Here are some of the most crucial steps that most of the people miss when it comes to taking care of their car.

Evaluating the condition of your vehicle

Evaluating the condition of your vehicle will show you exactly how it needs to be cleaned. A new car may just need a wash and wax to maintain it, but a car with a neglected exterior may need to be thoroughly clean (and polished).

Knowing the labels

Before using any type of car cleaning chemical, it is important to read the labels. The application for soap, wax, or detailer can be different in the case of every brand and every vehicle. For example, using a chrome wheel cleaner which is extremely acidic on an aluminum wheel can ruin it. Also, investing in premium micro fiber clothes and keeping separate piles for those used on your paint, wheels, and windows is a great idea.

Washing Your Car

Washing your car will remove loose contaminants such as dust, dirt, and mud from the exterior of your vehicle. Always use a car washing soap and not a liquid detergent or dish cleaner, which can damage the paint and strip away wax. Rinse your car first to remove larger pieces of dirt which can scratch your car when washing, and use clean mitts and drying clothes.

Prepare the Surface

After washing you can easily see scratches, swirls, and oxidation in your paint and feel for bonded contaminants such as overspray or tree sap that washing doesn’t remove. Just run your hand over a washed vehicle, and if you can feel little bumps, then you need to go a step further with cleaning your car.

Wax to Protect

Waxing is like sunscreen for your car. It adds a layer of protection from UV rays to prevent fading, as well as anything that may land on the paint. It preserves your high gloss finish and is available in a carnauba or polymer form. For reference, the choice between using carnauba or polymer wax is similar to choosing synthetic or regular engine oil. The polymer is a bit more expensive but is easier to apply and performs better.

Wash the Wheels

The most important wheel cleaning tip is to use the product that has been specifically formulated for your type of wheel. If you don’t know what type of wheels you have, then go with the least powerful version that is, an acid-free pH balanced aluminum wheel cleaner as these can be used on all type of wheels.